MINNESOTA VIKINGS (14-3) at RAMS (10-7)
When: Monday, 5 p.m.
Where: State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Ariz.)
TV/Radio: ESPN/ABC/ESPN+/710 AM; 93.1 FM; 1330 AM (Spanish); Sirius 225, 226
Line: Vikings by 2.5
Notable injury designations
Vikings: OUT: OLB Patrick Jones II (knee); QUESTIONABLE: RB Cam Akers (illness), DL Taki Taimani (ankle).
Rams: None.
What’s at stake? Another game to play, a trip to the NFC divisional round, three wins away from a Super Bowl title.
Who’s better? The Vikings have been the more consistent team throughout the season, ranking near the top of the NFL on both sides of the ball. The only reason they are the road team for this game is they finished second in the winningest division in NFL history. That said, the Rams won the head-to-head matchup between these teams in Week 8, with a healthy Puka Nacua proving a difference maker; Vikings DC Brian Flores said this week he was caught off-guard by Nacua’s return from injured reserve for the Thursday night game, and the receiver caught seven passes for 106 yards.
Matchup to watch: Rams pass rush vs. Vikings offensive line. The first game between these teams shifted when Vikings LT Christian Darrisaw tore his ACL and MCL at the end of the first half. The Rams finished the game with 18 pressures and four sacks, making quarterback Sam Darnold uncomfortable and ineffective in the pocket. Following that game, the Vikings traded for LT Cam Robinson and he’s been effective, allowing 37 pressures and three sacks in 369 pass-block reps. But if the Rams’ four-man rush can win its reps, that will go a long way toward the Rams keeping their season alive for another week.
Rams win if: Nacua crosses the 100-yard mark receiving. … The Rams generate three or more sacks. … They hold RB Aaron Jones below 75 yards.
Fantasy sleeper: Rams RB Ronnie Rivers. With Blake Corum on injured reserve after fracturing his forearm, Rivers will serve as RB Kyren Williams’ primary backup. Rivers has been effective in his opportunities over the past couple years, and could put some good runs together during Williams’ limited rest.
Prediction: Rams 28, Vikings 24. Beat reporter’s record: 13-4 for the season; 10-7 against the spread.